The Connect Family Resource Centre in Moneymore is literally at the heart of the community to which they provide a myriad of services.
From a small house they strive to combat disadvantage and improve the lives of local by creating a welcoming, non-judgemental space that meets ever-changing needs through listening, support, education and networking.
Their services and courses cover every aspect of life from the cradle to the grave and yesterday evening, for the second successive year, they extended that brief to include remembering people who have recently departed.
The ever-popular Deacon John Taaffe presided over a moving ceremony, held on the green in front of the Connect House, at which locals were encouraged to remember loved ones who have passed.
A remembrance “wall” was available where many people, young and old, availed of the opportunity to write their messages of love and loss to relatives who had passed.
As Deacon John said, many of these people have passed before their time whether before or during birth, in accidents or otherwise.
In a time when funerals and other ceremonies have been severely curtailed this was an opportunity for people to share their grief and also to celebrate the lives of loved ones.
The Connect FRC is all about improving the lives of the local people in Moneymore which if course has endured several years of turmoil thanks to the criminal gangs operating in Drogheda and this has affected young people more than most.
Last night’s simple ceremony was timely therefore because the details of the Implementation Plan for ‘Drogheda: Building a Bridge to a Better Future’ report are about to be unveiled this evening.
This plan was drawn up at the behest of the Department of Justice by Vivian Geiran, the former Director of the Probation Services, and in it he expresses the need for a purpose-built community centre in the Moneymore area.
There is no doubt that such a building is badly needed but it remains to be seen if the government includes this in their programme.
For more information see: connectfrc.com
